About

Doug Hoekstra is a Chicago-bred, Nashville-based writer, educated at DePaul (B.A.) and Belmont (M.Ed.) respectively. His first book, “Bothering the Coffee Drinkers,” appeared on the Canopic Publishing (TN) imprint in April 2006 and earned an Independent Publisher Award (IPPY) for Best Short Fiction (Bronze Medal). · As Paste Magazine noted, “Music runs like a liquid vein through these 80-proof experiences. Hoekstra pours it out with a Dylan-esque fervor, giving us a sputtering catalog of beauties and terrors…” Several of the selections in the book appeared in other publications, and one story, “The Blarney Stone” was nominated for a 2006 Pushcart Prize. A second book of Hoekstra prose, The Tenth Inning, was released independently in 2015.

A new collection of poetry, Unopened, is scheduled for February 5, 2019 release.

Hoekstra’s instantly recognizable musical persona and deep talent for songcraft have also garnered years of praise from critics, djs, and fans throughout the United States and Europe. His gentle baritone anchors his music, setting sympathetic narratives against a backdrop of memorable melodies, wry rhythms, and subtle but unexpected arrangement touches. “A lot of people write songs, Hoekstra writes five minute worlds” (Wired Magazine) or “Americana’s answer to Oscar Wilde…mesmerizing both musically and lyrically” (Americana-UK). Take your pick.

Throughout the journey, Hoekstra has released wrote, arranged, recorded, and released nine CDs of original material on labels on both sides of the pond, touring most of the continental U.S., as well as six European countries, performing at bookstores, coffeehouses, clubs, libraries, pubs, festivals, and castles, solo and with band in tow. Highlights included Nashville Music Award and Independent Music Award nominations, lots of Top 10 lists, cool live radio (as a regular on Acoustic Cafe, World Cafe, BBC England and Scotland) and many groovy times.